Director of Government Affairs

Department

Government Affairs

MSU Denver is excited to welcome a Director of Government Affairs to lead the university’s work in developing and advocating for legislation in support of its students and mission.

This position will be a vital member of the Government and External Affairs team and will lead the creation and execution of the university's government affairs strategy in collaboration with the team’s Vice President. The Director will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with government officials and their staff at local, state, and federal levels to advance MSU Denver’s priorities. With key legislative and funding opportunities on the horizon, the Director will be central in positioning the university to succeed in an evolving policy landscape.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience and demonstrated skill working effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. This position will report directly to the Vice President of Government and External Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Government Relations Strategy:

· Lead the annual development and execution of a comprehensive state legislative strategy to represent MSU Denver's policy interests.

· Assist VP, Government and External Affairs with the creation of annual and long-term public funding strategies.

· Work with lobbyists to monitor and respond to legislative and policy proposals that could impact the university and its community, including in areas such as: curriculum, financial aid, student success, employment matters, and more.

2. Advocacy and Relationship Building:

· Support the creation and implementation of engagement plans at the city, state and federal levels for students, faculty, staff, university leaders, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders.

· Personally cultivate positive, influential relationships with elected officials and their staff, government agencies, and relevant advocacy organizations.

· Educate the university community on legislative processes, priorities and opportunities for engagement. Activate students, faculty and staff to engage in support of policy priorities through testimony and direct outreach.

· Collaborate with external stakeholders (Trustees, Community Cabinet, MSU Denver Foundation Board, etc.) to advocate for legislative priorities and funding opportunities that benefit MSU Denver, via outreach, communications and other strategies.

3. Collaboration and Communication:

· Regularly engage with university faculty, staff and students to identify policy opportunities, stories of impact, and strong voices for advocacy.

· Work with the university’s Budget teams and other internal stakeholders to accurately assess both the policy and fiscal impacts of proposed legislation.

· Prepare and deliver presentations to external audiences that clearly communicate the university’s government affairs strategies and inspire engagement. · Re-activate and lead the MSU Denver Champions grassroots advocacy group, composed of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Execute high-quality events and engagement opportunities to educate and active the advocacy community.

4. Operations:

· Maintain Salesforce database of interactions, communications, and advocacy efforts and provide regular reports to university leadership.

· Provide regular reports on legislative activities and progress to university stakeholders.

· Track legislatively required reports and ensure timely completion of the report by the subject matter expert.

· Act as the designated representative for the Vice President of Government and External Affairs, engaging in university business and senior leadership matters when needed.

Performs additional miscellaneous job duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

· A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in government affairs, legislative relations, policy development, or a related field.

· Deep knowledge of government processes at local, state, and federal levels.

· Strong results-orientation, with proven commitment to working with integrity and a high degree of accountability.

· Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation and advocacy skills.

· Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and agencies.

· Collaborative mindset with the capacity to work effectively within a team and across diverse stakeholder groups.

· Alignment to MSU Denver’s CADRE values and university mission.

· Commitment to building connections across campus to support the execution of a successful government relations strategy.

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that t